2014 Chateau Cheval Blanc Bordeaux 1er Grand Cru Classe "A"

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 Cheval Blanc needs a lot of swirling to unlock notes of plum preserves and fruitcake plus suggestions of garrigue, black pepper, and tapenade with a hint of camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate has a rock solid structure of chewy tannins and bold freshness supporting the savory, muscular fruit, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Tasted blind with the Southwold Group in London in February 2024.

The 2014 Cheval Blanc has an attractive nose with brambly red fruit, sous-bois , a pencil box and a touch of Xmas cake. It does not take too much aeration before it develops further aromas of black truffle and morels. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshy, ripe and tensile with red peppercorn hints toward the slightly granular finish. Very harmonious and persistent. It is outstanding in the context of the vintage. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting.

The 2014 Cheval Blanc has an almost Left Bank-inspired bouquet, tarry black fruit, tobacco and forest floor scents unfolding in the glass, though not as "immediate as the Canon. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshy, very well balanced and nuanced with one of the few what I would describe as "precise finishes that beckon you back for the next sip. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.